• A close-up of Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) showcasing its elegant white flowers with slender stamens set against lush, lemon-scented foliage. The delicate petals create a welcoming space for dark pollinators, all beautifully contrasted by a softly blurred green background. Ideal for wildlife gardens, this plant not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a fragrant haven for pollinators.
  • Close-up of Backhousia citriodora plant showcasing its green leaves with new reddish growth, thriving in a garden setting.
  • Young Backhousia citriodora, commonly known as Lemon Myrtle, planted in a garden with bright green leaves and a sunny background.
  • Close-up of Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) showcasing its elegant cream flowers with striking, prominent stamens. The vibrant green foliage releases a refreshing lemon scent, perfect for creating a sensory experience in your garden. Ideal for wildlife gardens, this plant naturally attracts buzzing pollinators to the lush background setting, inviting nature right to your doorstep.
1 4

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)

$5.00
$5.00
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size
Next delivery date:

$80 minimum spend required for checkout.

Why we love this plant!

A highly aromatic native tree, Backhousia citriodora is well known for its fragrant, lemon-scented foliage and creamy white flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It thrives in South East Queensland’s warm conditions and can be pruned into a hedge or left to grow as a small feature tree. Its dense canopy provides habitat for native birds, while its flowers support pollinators. A good option for sensory gardens, bush tucker gardens, or as a screening plant in subtropical landscapes.

Care Considerations

Watering preferences:

  • Regular watering; prefers consistently moist soil, especially during dry periods.

Mulching preferences:

  • Applying organic mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.​

Fertilising preferences:

  • A balanced fertiliser can be applied in spring to promote healthy growth.

Pruning preferences:

  • A light prune after flowering can help maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

Good to Know:

  • To reduce the risk of myrtle rust, ensure the plant has good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and inspect leaves regularly.
  • Bees and other pollinators are attracted to its fragrant flowers.

Plant Details
Common uses: Privacy screening, Shade-giving, Edible, Bush tucker, Pollinator-friendly, Seasonal colour, Fragrant, Low maintenance garden, Robust/Hardy, Feature plant, Tropical garden, Wind protection, and Soil improver
Expected Height Range: 3 m - 8 m
Spread Range: 2 m - 4 m
Preferred positioning: Full sun, Partial sun, and Partial shade
Flower Season/s: Summer and Spring
Flower Colour/s:
Plant life cycle: Perennial
Habitat: Native to the subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland, Australia, with a natural distribution from Mackay to Brisbane. It thrives in coastal forests, often found in well-drained soils within rainforest ecosystems.
Leaf information: Lance-shaped, glossy green leaves with a strong lemon scent when crushed
Preferred Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils with consistent moisture, adapting to loamy or sandy soils, and benefits from organic matter for best growth.
View full details
Important Notice:

The information on this page is intended as a general guide to help you make informed decisions about your garden. It's your responsibility to assess whether this information suits your specific situation and local conditions.

While we work hard to keep our information accurate and current, gardening involves many variables that can affect plant performance and suitability. What works in one garden may not work in another.

Livable Garden Centre doesn't provide guarantees or warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of this information. We also can't guarantee specific outcomes for plants or products featured on our website. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

Always consider your local climate, soil conditions, and specific garden needs when making planting decisions. When in doubt, consult with local gardening professionals or extension services.